Italian fitness influencer Alessandro Antonicelli has tragically passed away at just 26 years old. The popular Instagram star fought a two-year battle against cancer with remarkable courage before losing his fight on 4 December.
From Workout Warrior to Cancer Campaigner
Alessandro first rose to fame for his motivating workout videos, amassing nearly 200,000 followers on Instagram. But after his diagnosis with a malignant bone tumour in August 2023, he shifted gears to raise cancer awareness and funds.
A dedicated GoFundMe fundraiser in his name has already raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for Milan’s National Cancer Institute.
The Harsh Reality of His Fight
After feeling constant fatigue, Alessandro sought medical help and was diagnosed with a malignant bone tumour. He bravely shared, “I am sure that the sports mentality and that of studying that I have gained over the years will be of great help to face this battle. I don’t know what’s waiting for me, but I know I’m strong.”
His treatment was brutal. Chemotherapy and a life-altering surgery in December 2023 saw large portions of his leg and hips replaced with a prosthetic femur. Despite this, new tumours appeared in August 2024 on his collarbone and spine base.
Alessandro moved to Milan to study Nutrition and continued battling with radiotherapy and more chemotherapy. A brief improvement in July was followed by a rapid decline, leading to multiple hospital stays.
Heartfelt Tributes Pour In
An Instagram post announcing his death said:
“Today the world is a bit emptier: Ale flew away, free from pain, finding the peace he deserved. We know how much you’ve loved and supported him, but now we ask you to protect this painful time his family, girlfriend and friends are going through.”
The GoFundMe tribute added:
“Ale is gone, but his example remains. He showed us what it means to hold on to life, even when it hurts. And his words will continue to speak to us: ‘Life is always worth living.’”
